MacFarlane out of D.C. United

Victor MacFarlane said Thursday he is selling his stake in the MLS club to partner Will Chang.

San Francisco businessmen MacFarlane and Chang paid $33 million for the operating rights to United two years ago. MacFarlane became the first black owner in MLS, and Chang became the first Chinese-American MLS owner.

MacFarlane is selling his United interest so that he can focus more on his primary business, the MacFarlane Partners real estate investment management firm.

“Though I now change my status from owner and fan to just fan, I plan to continue to champion D.C. United’s goals — on and off the field,” MacFarlane said in a statement.

Chang, also a member of the ownership group of baseball’s San Francisco Giants, said there will be no immediate changes in United management. He will also continue to quest for a new stadium for the MLS club.

“We have many challenges ahead for both the team and a stadium site, but I am confident we will emerge successful on both fronts, including bringing the club to a stronger international level,” Chang said. “We will only improve our strategy on and off the field.”